PM Imran Khan arrives in AJK to visit snow-hit areas

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has landed in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) where he will visit the snow-hit areas and meet the affected people, ARY News reported on Wednesday.

PM Imran Khan, accompanied by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur arrived in AJK to personally monitor the relief work.

The prime minister is also scheduled to meet the families affected in avalanche.

Meanwhile, the prime minister has directed to immediately provide all humanitarian assistance on an emergency footing to the people affected by land sliding in AJK.

In a tweet, he asked the National Disaster Management Authority, the military and all federal ministers to take timely actions in this regard.

Earlier in the day, at least 61 people died after an avalanche had hit Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The deputy commissioner Neelum Valley had said more than 61 bodies had been retrieved so far, while several others were feared missing.

He had said the troops of the Pakistan Army had reached the area to carry out the relief and rescue operation, while helicopters were also being used in the relief and rescue operation.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan expressed deep sorrow over the damages and casualties following the heavy snowfall in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Balochistan.

Firdous Ashiq Awan, in her Twitter messages, said that the premier has cancelled all of his engagements and decided to visit AJK for reviewing the latest situation after weather disasters besides inquiring about the health of injured persons.

The special assistant said the government is standing side-by-side with the nationals in a tough time.

She added that PM Imran Khan had immediately issued directives after taking notice of the incident of the avalanche. The premier directed for initiating relief activities for citizens and affected people on an emergency basis.